CN106254728B

CN106254728B - Camera adjustment mechanism and method and aircraft surveillance system

Info

Publication number: CN106254728B
Application number: CN201610147707.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J.M.凡斯卡; K.安德森; W.约翰逊; K.弗里曼
Original assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc
Current assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc
Priority date: 2015-06-05
Filing date: 2016-03-15
Publication date: 2020-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-15
Also published as: EP3101474A1; CN106254728A; US9395604B1; CA2928683A1; BR102016009262B1; EP3101474B1; CA2928683C; JP2017003970A; BR102016009262A2; JP6719964B2

Abstract

A camera adjustment mechanism allows a user to adjust the orientation of a surveillance camera. The camera adjustment mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first end, a second end, and a first wall extending between and connecting the first end and the second end. The first wall is sloped such that an inner diameter of the first end is greater than an inner diameter of the second end. The second portion includes a third end connected to the second end, a fourth end, a second wall extending between and connecting the third end and the fourth end, and a plurality of engagement openings extending circumferentially around the fourth end.

Description

Camera adjustment mechanism and method and aircraft surveillance system

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to surveillance systems, and more particularly to orienting cameras within surveillance systems.

Surveillance systems, such as aircraft surveillance systems, utilize cameras mounted in panels on the aircraft. The camera is housed within a camera housing that fits within the camera cup. The camera cup is mounted in the aircraft panel by a retaining clip. The camera and camera housing are initially installed in the aircraft panel prior to the aircraft's security and electronics system being brought online. Thus, the view initially played by the camera may not be optimally aligned vertically, horizontally, or rotationally. After the security and electronic systems of the aircraft come online, the cameras must be adjusted to play the desired views. The camera also needs to be adjusted over its lifetime as the camera housing may drift within the camera cup due to vibrations experienced from the aircraft. The user cannot easily access the camera housing to adjust the view of the camera because the camera housing is secured within the wall plate by the camera cup. Thus, there is a need for an adjustment tool to adjust the camera housing, which thereby adjusts the orientation of the camera.

Summary of The Invention

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a camera adjustment mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first end, a second end, and a first wall extending between and connecting the first end and the second end. The first wall is sloped such that an inner diameter of the first end is greater than an inner diameter of the second end. The second portion includes a third end connected to the second end, a fourth end, a second wall extending between and connecting the third end and the fourth end, and a plurality of engagement openings extending circumferentially around the fourth end.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a surveillance system includes at least one camera cup mounted within a wall, at least one camera housing movably disposed within the at least one camera cup, at least one camera mounted within the at least one camera housing, and a camera adjustment mechanism capable of orienting a field of view of the at least one camera. The camera housing includes an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, and a plurality of protrusions disposed circumferentially about the inner surface of the camera housing. The camera adjustment mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first end, a second end, and a first wall extending between and connecting the first end and the second end. The second portion includes a third end connected to the second end, a fourth end, a second wall extending between and connecting the third end and the fourth end, and a plurality of engagement openings extending circumferentially around the fourth end. The plurality of engagement openings are configured to engage the plurality of tabs.

According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for camera adjustment of an aircraft cabin surveillance system comprises: determining an initial camera orientation; aligning a plurality of engagement recesses with a plurality of engagement posts, the engagement recesses being disposed circumferentially around a distal end of the camera adjustment mechanism and the engagement posts being disposed circumferentially around an inner surface of the camera housing; engaging the plurality of engagement recesses with the plurality of engagement posts; and adjusting the initial camera orientation to the preferred camera orientation.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a camera adjustment mechanism and camera housing.

Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the camera adjustment mechanism taken along line a-a of fig. 1.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a camera adjustment mechanism engaged with a camera housing.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the engagement opening.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a camera adjustment mechanism 10 and a camera housing 12. The camera adjustment mechanism 10 includes a first portion 14 and a second portion 16. First portion 14 includes a first end 18, a second end 20, a first wall 22, and a handle 24. Second portion 16 includes a third end 26, a fourth end 28, a second wall 30, an engagement opening 32, and a shoulder 34. The engagement opening 32 includes a first recess 36, a second recess 38, and a third recess 40. Camera housing 12 includes an inner wall 42, an outer wall 44, a tab 46, a rim 48, and a slot 50. The tab 46 includes a first post 52, a second post 54, and a third post 56.

The handle 24 extends circumferentially around the outer edge of the first end 18. A first wall 22 extends between and connects the first and

second ends

18, 20. The second end 20 is connected to the third end 26 to connect the first portion 14 and the second portion 16. A second wall 30 extends between and connects the third end 26 and the fourth end 28. The shoulder 34 extends circumferentially around the outer edge of the second wall 30. The engagement opening 32 is disposed circumferentially about the fourth end 28.

The camera housing 12 is generally hemispherical with an open end. A slot 50 extends around the inner wall 42 adjacent the edge 48. The slot 50 provides a snap-fit connection for mounting the lens cover to the camera housing 12. The tabs 46 are circumferentially disposed about the inner wall 42. A first post 52, a second post 54, and a third post 56 are each attached to the inner wall 42 and extend axially from the open end of the camera housing 12.

The camera housing 12 is configured to house a camera 58, such as a security camera used in an aircraft cabin security system. The camera 58 is positioned within the camera housing 12 along axis C and protrudes toward the open end of the camera housing 12. The camera housing 12 is adjustable within a cartesian coordinate system to orient the camera 58 while also preventing the camera housing 12 from drifting within the camera cup (shown in fig. 2) during operation. The camera 58 is initially unpowered when the camera 58 and camera housing 12 are installed in the camera cup. Therefore, the camera 58 must be oriented after the security system is activated. The camera adjustment mechanism 10 may also reorient the camera 58 when the orientation of the camera 58 drifts due to the vibrations experienced by the camera cup and the friction fit between the camera housing 12 and the camera cup.

The camera housing 12 is adjusted with the camera adjustment mechanism 10 to properly orient the camera 58. The security system is activated and the view from camera 58 is transmitted to the user. The user removes the lens cover from the camera housing 12 and the user inserts the camera adjustment mechanism 10 into the camera housing 12. Each engagement opening 32 engages with a projection 46 when the first recess 36 receives the first post 52, the second recess 38 receives the second post 54, and the third recess 40 receives the third post 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the third recess 40 has a greater axial length than the first and

second recesses

36, 38. The greater axial length of the third recess 40 as compared to the first and

second posts

52, 54 allows the third recess 40 to engage the third post 56 (shown in fig. 1) as the third post 56 is axially offset toward the third end 26.

Although the engagement opening 32 is described as including the first recess 36, the second recess 38, and the third recess 40, it will be appreciated that the engagement opening 32 may take any suitable form to engage with the protrusion 46, such as a rectangular opening without recesses or a series of recesses without common engagement openings. Further, while the third recess 40 is described as having a greater axial length than the first and

second recesses

36, 38, it will be appreciated that the first, second and

third recesses

36, 38, 40 may all have the same axial length, or may have axial lengths that vary in any desired manner. It will be further appreciated that although the engagement opening 32 is described as including three notches, the engagement opening 32 may include any desired number of notches suitable for engaging the tabs 46. For example, if the tab 46 includes four posts, the engagement opening 32 may include four notches, respectively. Similarly, while the third post 56 is described as being axially offset from the first and

second posts

52, 54, it will be appreciated that the recesses of the adjustment member 46 may all have the same axial displacement, may be of different axial lengths, and may vary in any manner that enables the protrusion 46 to engage the engagement opening 32. Further, while the tab 46 is described as including a first post 52, a second post 54, and a third post 56, it will be appreciated that the tab 46 may include more or fewer posts as desired, and may take any form suitable for engaging the corresponding engagement opening 32. For example, the tab 46 may be triangular with the apex pointing toward the third side 26, and the engagement opening 32 would then also have a triangular shape to engage the tab 46.

When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 engages the camera housing 12, the shoulder 34 abuts the edge 48. The flush placement of shoulder 34 with edge 48 indicates that engagement opening 32 is fully engaged with tab 46. In this manner, the shoulder 34 acts as a mistake proofing component to ensure proper alignment of the camera adjustment mechanism 10 with the camera 58 during camera adjustment, which ensures proper orientation of the camera after adjustment. In addition, shoulder 34 limits the distance second portion 16 can extend into camera housing 12 to prevent any accidental damage to camera 58 or to any component of the camera.

When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged with the camera housing 12, the camera 58 extends through the second portion 16. When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged, the first wall 22 of the first portion 14 defines a maximum field of view (FOV) that is visible through the camera 58. The FOV provided by the first portion 14 is preferably greater than the FOV of the camera. Thus, the FOV provided through the first portion 14 is preferably greater than about 90 degrees, and more particularly preferably between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees. Providing a larger FOV through the first portion 14 ensures that the full FOV of the camera 58 is visible to the user while the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged with the camera housing 12, which enables more efficient camera orientation. In this manner, the user adjusts the camera 58 without continuously removing the camera adjustment mechanism to determine the FOV of the camera 58 during the orientation. Instead, the user can see the full FOV of the camera 58 during the orientation procedure, even when the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged with the camera housing 12.

Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the camera adjustment mechanism 10 taken along line a-a of fig. 1. The camera adjustment mechanism 10 includes a first portion 14 and a second portion 16. First portion 14 includes a first end 18, a second end 20, a first wall 22, and a handle 24. Second portion 18 includes a third end 26, a fourth end 28, a second wall 30, an engagement opening 32, and a shoulder 34. The engagement opening 32 includes a first recess 36, a second recess 38, and a third recess 40.

The handle 24 extends circumferentially around the outer edge of the first end 18. Handle 24 allows a user to easily grip and manipulate first end 18. A first wall 22 extends between and connects the first and second ends 18, 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 22 is a sloped wall such that the inner diameter of the first end 18 is greater than the inner diameter of the second end 20. The second end 20 is connected to the third end 26 to connect the first portion 14 and the second portion 16. A second wall 30 extends between and connects the third end 26 and the fourth end 28. As shown, the fourth end 28 may include a beveled edge. The shoulder 34 extends circumferentially around the outer edge of the second wall 30. The engagement opening 32 is disposed circumferentially about the fourth end 28. The first notch 36 extends along the second wall 30 toward the third end 26. The second notch 38 similarly extends along the second wall 30 toward the third end 26. The third recess 40 is disposed between the first recess 36 and the second recess 38, and similarly extends into the second wall 30 toward the third end 26.

The engagement opening 32 is configured to engage with a protrusion 46 (best seen in fig. 2). The first recess 36 receives the first post 52, the second recess 38 receives the second post 54 and the third recess 40 receives the third post 56. Although the engagement opening 32 is described as including the first recess 36, the second recess 38, and the third recess 40, it will be appreciated that the engagement opening 32 may take any suitable form to engage with the protrusion 46, such as a rectangular opening without recesses or a series of recesses without common engagement openings.

The shoulder 34 extends around the circumference of the second wall 30. Shoulder 34 rests flush with edge 48 (shown in fig. 1) when camera adjustment mechanism 10 is in use and ensures that camera adjustment mechanism 10 is aligned perpendicular to axis C (shown in fig. 1) of camera 58. In this manner, shoulder 34 ensures proper alignment of camera adjustment mechanism 10 when orienting camera 58.

The first wall 22 is preferably an inclined wall. As described above, when the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged, the camera 58 (best seen in FIG. 2) extends through the second portion 16. Thus, tilting the first wall 22 prevents the FOV of the camera from being blocked when the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is in place. The cameras of aircraft security systems typically have a FOV of about 90 degrees to about 105 degrees. Accordingly, the FOV through the first portion 14 is preferably between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees. However, it will be appreciated that the first wall 22 may be tilted in any suitable manner such that the camera adjustment mechanism 10 does not block the FOV of cameras having a FOV greater than 105 degrees.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the camera adjustment mechanism 10 and the camera housing 12 showing the camera adjustment mechanism 10 engaged with the camera housing 12. The camera adjustment mechanism 10 includes a first portion 14 and a second portion 16. First portion 14 includes a first end 18, a second end 20, a first wall 22, and a handle 24. Second portion 18 includes a third end 26, a fourth end 28, a second wall 30, an engagement opening 32, and a shoulder 34. The engagement opening 32 includes a first recess 36, a second recess 38, and a third recess 40. Camera housing 12 includes an inner wall 42, an outer wall 44, a tab 46, a rim 48, and a slot 50 (shown in fig. 1). The tab 46 includes a first post 52, a second post 54, and a third post 56.

The handle 24 extends circumferentially around the outer edge of the first end 18. Handle 24 allows a user to easily grip and manipulate first end 18. A first wall 22 extends between and connects the first and second ends 18, 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 22 is a sloped wall such that the inner diameter of the first end 18 is greater than the inner diameter of the second end 20. The second end 20 is connected to the third end 26 to connect the first portion 14 and the second portion 16. A second wall 30 extends between and connects the third end 26 and the fourth end 28. The shoulder 34 extends circumferentially around the outer edge of the second wall 30. The engagement opening 32 is disposed circumferentially about the fourth end 28. The camera adjustment mechanism 10 is preferably made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, it will be appreciated that the camera adjustment mechanism 10 may be formed of any material having a suitable stiffness to engage and adjust the orientation of the camera housing 12.

The camera housing 12 is generally hemispherical with an open end. The tabs 46 are circumferentially disposed about the inner wall 42. A first post 52, a second post 54, and a third post 56 are each attached to the inner wall 42 and extend axially from the open end of the camera housing 12. The camera housing 12 is mounted in a camera cup 60, and the camera cup 60 is mounted in a wall plate 62. The camera housing 12 is preferably formed of a composite material or plastic. However, it will be appreciated that the camera housing 12 may be formed of any suitable material for receiving and maintaining the orientation of the camera.

As shown, the camera adjustment mechanism 10 fully engages the camera housing 12 to orient the view of the camera 58. The camera 58 is positioned within the camera housing 12 along axis C and protrudes toward the open end of the camera housing 12. The camera housing 12 is friction fit with the camera cup 60. The friction fit allows the camera housing 12 to be physically adjusted throughout the cartesian coordinate system to orient the camera 58. The camera cup 60 is mounted within a wall plate 62. Thus, the camera housing 12 is not easily accessible from outside the wall 62.

The orientation of the camera housing 12 is adjusted with the camera adjustment mechanism 10. The user removes the lens cover from the camera housing 12 and the user inserts the camera adjustment mechanism 10 into the camera housing 12. When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged with the camera housing 12, the engagement opening 32 engages the protrusion 46. Each engagement opening 32 engages the tab 46 when the first recess 36 receives the first post 52, the second recess 38 receives the second post 54, and the third recess 40 receives the third post 56.

When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 engages the camera housing 12, the shoulder 34 abuts the edge 48. The flush placement of shoulder 34 against edge 48 indicates that engagement opening 32 is fully engaged with tab 46. In this manner, shoulder 34 acts as a mistake proofing component to ensure that camera adjustment mechanism 10 is properly aligned with camera 58 along axis C during camera adjustment. Aligning the camera adjustment mechanism 10 with the camera 58 ensures that the camera 58 is properly oriented after adjustment. In addition, shoulder 34 limits the distance second portion 16 can extend into camera housing 12 to prevent any accidental damage to camera 58 or to any component of the camera.

When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged with the camera housing 12, the camera 58 extends through the second portion 16. When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged, the first wall 22 of the first portion 14 defines a maximum FOV viewable by the camera. As described above, the first wall 22 preferably is a slanted wall to allow the camera 58 to view the full FOV. Providing a full FOV through the first portion 14 ensures that a user can see the full FOV of the camera 58 while the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is engaged with the camera housing 12.

Preventing the camera adjustment mechanism 10 from blocking the FOV of the camera 58 eliminates the iterative and time-consuming process required to orient a camera whose FOV is blocked by the camera adjustment mechanism. By not blocking the FOV of the camera while adjusting the camera orientation, the user does not need to remove the camera adjustment mechanism after the initial adjustment, determine a new orientation of the camera, reattach the camera adjustment mechanism, readjust the camera, remove the camera adjustment mechanism again, and determine the orientation of the camera again to alternately adjust the camera orientation. Instead, the camera adjustment mechanism 10 remains in place and the user can see the full FOV of the camera, which allows the user to make adjustments quickly and efficiently without removing the camera adjustment mechanism 10 to determine the new orientation of the camera.

The user adjusts the orientation of the camera within the cartesian coordinate system by manipulating the camera adjustment mechanism 10. The user holds the handle 24 and adjusts the orientation of the camera 58 by moving the camera adjustment mechanism 10. For example, where the camera presents a rotationally distorted view, the user may rotate the camera adjustment mechanism 10 about the z-axis, which correspondingly rotates the camera housing 12 and camera. Similarly, where the camera presents a horizontally or vertically distorted view, the user may push the camera adjustment mechanism 10 along the x-axis or y-axis, which correspondingly pushes the camera housing 12 and camera along the x-axis or y-axis to orient the view presented by the camera. The friction fit between the camera housing 12 and the camera cup 60 maintains the camera housing 12 in a desired position to provide a desired view from the camera 58.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of detail Z of fig. 1 showing engagement opening 32, fourth end 28 and second wall 30. The engagement opening 32 includes a first recess 36, a second recess 38, and a third recess 40.

An engagement opening 32 extends from the fourth end 28 into the second wall 30. The first notch 36 extends along the second wall 30 toward the third end 26. The second notch 38 similarly extends along the second wall 30 toward the third end 26. The third recess 40 is disposed between the first recess 36 and the second recess 38, and similarly extends into the second wall 30 toward the third end 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the third recess 40 has a greater axial length than the first and

second recesses

36, 38.

The engagement opening 32 engages the protrusion 46 (shown in fig. 1) to allow the camera adjustment mechanism 10 (best seen in fig. 1) to engage the camera housing 12 (shown in fig. 1) and manipulate its orientation. When the camera adjustment mechanism 10 is adjusted to orient the camera, the engagement opening 32, the first notch 36, the second notch 38, and the third notch 40 exert a force on the tab 46 (shown in fig. 1) that causes the camera housing 12 to displace in a desired direction to properly orient the camera.

Discussion of possible embodiments

The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the invention.

The camera adjustment mechanism includes a first portion having a first end, a second end, and a first wall extending between and connecting the first end and the second end, the first wall being sloped such that an inner diameter of the first end is greater than an inner diameter of the second end, and a second portion including a third end connected to the second end, a fourth end, a second wall extending between and connecting the third end and the fourth end, and a plurality of engagement openings extending circumferentially around the fourth end.

The camera adjustment mechanism of the preceding paragraph may optionally (additionally and/or alternatively) include any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

each of the plurality of engagement openings includes: a first notch extending from the fourth end toward the third end; a second notch extending from the fourth end toward the third end; and a third notch extending from the fourth end toward the third end, the third notch being circumferentially disposed between the first notch and the second notch.

The third recess has an axial length greater than an axial length of the first recess or the second recess.

The fourth end includes a beveled edge.

The field of view through the first portion is between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees.

A plurality of handles are circumferentially disposed about the first end.

The shoulder is disposed circumferentially about an outer edge of the second wall.

An aircraft surveillance system, the aircraft surveillance system comprising: at least one camera cup disposed within an aircraft cabin; at least one camera housing movably disposed within the at least one camera cup, the at least one camera housing comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a rim, and a plurality of protrusions disposed about the inner surface; at least one camera mounted within the at least one camera housing; and a camera adjustment mechanism capable of orienting a field of view of at least one camera, the camera adjustment mechanism including a first portion, a first end, a second end, and a first wall extending between and connecting the first end and the second end, and a second portion, the second portion including: a third end connected to the second end; a fourth end; and a plurality of engagement openings extending circumferentially around the fourth opening, the plurality of engagement openings configured to engage the plurality of tabs.

The aircraft monitoring system of the preceding paragraph optionally may (additionally and/or alternatively) include any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

each of the plurality of tabs includes a first post, a second post, and a third post disposed between the first post and the second post, the third post having an axial length greater than the first post or the second post.

Each of the plurality of engagement openings includes: a first notch extending from the second distal end toward the second proximal end; a second notch extending from the second distal end toward the second proximal end; and a third notch extending from the second distal end toward the second proximal end, the third notch being circumferentially disposed between the first notch and the second notch.

A plurality of engagement openings are engaged with the plurality of protrusions;

the first wall is an inclined wall.

The first end has an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the second end.

The field of view of the at least one camera through the first portion is greater than about 90 degrees when the camera adjustment mechanism is engaged with the at least one camera housing.

The field of view of the at least one camera through the first portion is between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees when the camera adjustment mechanism is engaged with the at least one camera housing.

A method of adjusting the orientation of a camera in a surveillance system includes: determining an initial camera orientation; aligning a plurality of engagement recesses with a plurality of engagement posts, the engagement recesses being disposed circumferentially around a distal end of the camera adjustment mechanism and the engagement posts being disposed circumferentially around an inner surface of the camera housing; engaging the plurality of engagement recesses with the plurality of engagement posts; and adjusting the initial camera orientation to the desired camera orientation.

The method of the preceding paragraph may optionally (additionally and/or alternatively) include any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

the vertical and horizontal alignment of the camera is determined, and the rotational alignment of the camera is determined.

The camera adjustment mechanism is vertically or horizontally displaced to correct the vertical and horizontal alignment of the camera, and the camera adjustment structure is rotated about the axis of the camera to correct the rotational alignment of the camera.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera adjustment mechanism, comprising:

a first portion configured to provide a field of view through the first portion when the camera adjustment mechanism is engaged with a camera housing, the first portion comprising:

a first end of a loop;

a second end of the loop; and

a first wall extending between and connecting the first end and the second end, wherein the first wall is sloped such that an inner diameter of the first end is greater than an inner diameter of the second end, wherein the first wall defines a maximum field of view that is visible through the camera when the camera adjustment mechanism is engaged with the camera housing; and

a second portion configured to engage with and manipulate the orientation of the camera housing, the second portion comprising:

a third end in the shape of a loop, the third end being connected to the second end;

an annular fourth end insertable into the camera housing;

a second wall extending between and connecting the third end and the fourth end; and

a plurality of engagement openings extending circumferentially around the fourth end, wherein the plurality of engagement openings are configured to engage with a plurality of protrusions disposed around an inner surface of the camera housing.

2. The camera adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of engagement openings comprises:

a first notch extending from the fourth end toward the third end;

a second notch extending from the fourth end toward the third end; and

a third notch extending from the fourth end toward the third end, the third notch being disposed circumferentially between the first notch and the second notch.

3. The camera adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the third notch has an axial length that is greater than an axial length of the first notch or the second notch.

4. The camera adjustment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the fourth end further comprises a beveled edge.

5. The camera adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a field of view through the first portion is between about 90 degrees and 110 degrees.

6. The camera adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, and further comprising:

a plurality of handles disposed circumferentially about the first end.

7. The camera adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, and further comprising:

a shoulder disposed circumferentially about an outer edge of the second wall.

8. An aircraft surveillance system, comprising:

at least one camera cup mounted within the wall;

at least one camera housing movably disposed within the at least one camera cup, the at least one camera housing comprising:

an inner surface;

an outer surface;

an edge; and

a plurality of protrusions disposed about the inner surface of the camera housing;

at least one camera mounted within the at least one camera housing; and

a camera adjustment mechanism capable of orienting a field of view of the at least one camera, the camera adjustment mechanism comprising:

a first end of a loop;

a second end of the loop; and

an annular fourth end insertable into the camera housing;

a plurality of engagement openings extending circumferentially about the fourth end, the plurality of engagement openings configured to engage the plurality of tabs.

9. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of tabs comprises:

a first column;

a second column; and

a third column disposed between the first column and the second column;

wherein the third post has an axial length greater than the first post or the second post.

10. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of engagement openings comprises:

a first notch extending from the fourth end and into the second wall;

a second notch extending from the fourth end and into the second wall; and

a third notch extending from the fourth end and into the second wall, the third notch being disposed circumferentially between the first notch and the second notch.

11. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of engagement openings engage with the plurality of protrusions.

12. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 8, wherein the first wall is a sloped wall.

13. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 12, wherein an inner diameter of the first end is greater than an inner diameter of the second end.

14. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 12, wherein a field of view through the at least one camera of the first portion when the camera adjustment mechanism is engaged with the camera housing is greater than about 90 degrees.

15. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 14, wherein a field of view through the at least one camera of the first portion is between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees when the camera adjustment mechanism is engaged with the camera housing.

16. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 8, wherein the camera adjustment mechanism further comprises:

a shoulder disposed circumferentially about an outer edge of the second wall.

17. The aircraft surveillance system of claim 8, wherein the camera adjustment mechanism further comprises:

a plurality of handles disposed circumferentially about the first end.

18. A camera adjustment method for an aircraft surveillance system according to any one of claims 8-17, the method comprising:

determining an initial camera orientation;

aligning the plurality of engagement openings with the plurality of protrusions, the engagement openings being disposed circumferentially around a distal end of the camera adjustment mechanism and the protrusions being disposed circumferentially around an inner surface of the camera housing;

engaging the plurality of engagement openings with the plurality of projections; and

adjusting the initial camera orientation to a preferred camera orientation.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein determining the initial camera orientation further comprises:

determining vertical and horizontal alignment of the camera; and

determining a rotational alignment of the camera.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein adjusting the camera orientation to a preferred camera orientation further comprises:

shifting the camera adjustment mechanism in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction to correct the vertical and horizontal alignment of the camera; and

rotating the camera adjustment mechanism about an axis of the camera adjustment mechanism to correct the rotational alignment of the camera.